'We are the Champions' played over the public address system as Newcastle United players and staff glanced at the medals around their necks on the podium before captain Jamaal Lascelles lifted the trophy aloft. Cue the fireworks and ticker tape.
It may have only been the Diriyah Season Cup, but Newcastle supporters and the club's watching owners will hope the scenes at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on Thursday night are a glimpse of the future as Eddie Howe bids to one day end the Magpies' silverware drought. While Howe will be targeting bigger prizes in the years to come, this 5-0 win against Al Hilal still proved a worthwhile exercise as Newcastle stepped up their preparations for the restart.
A double from Joelinton put the visitors in command at the break and Miguel Almiron (two) and Dylan Stephenson added the gloss in the second half. It was another important step in Newcastle's mini pre-season and, by full-time, even Howe was smiling on the touchline after his side ran riot.
